Whether or not you consider yourself a ‘nerd’, I’m sure you can understand the difficulties we go through when it comes to online dating. Don’t even get me started with in-person dating!

I used to think that love happened in a sort of magical way. It starts out in a kind of forced relationship. Very often this relationship is where a boy and girl don’t really want to hang around each other, but brought together by something out of their control.

They end up having to spend hours working on some goal together. Maybe they are stuck in some sort of cave, or chains, or some role playing game. Who knows!

Wait, this is beginning to sound a lot like a Disney movie. Hopefully that made you laugh a little. Up until now that was my view of finding true love. I mean sure it was the standard heterosexual relationship with somewhat of a cocky bad boy type with an innocent, but always attractive girl.

I think this is a little screwed up. First off, healthy relationships aren very rarely forced in this way. Second, we no longer need to abide by societal constraints about our relationships. We have freedom to date whoever we want (for the most part). Now that I’ve gotten a little older, I’ve had a chance to spend a lot of time doing nerdy things (reading fiction, playing role-playing games with friends, and video gaming to my hearts desire).

So I’m here to introduce you to my simple, but effective guide to dating for nerds.

If you’re a nerd, the first step is to admit it. If you’re reading this, get to the point already: you’re a nerd!

I’m obviously trying to make a point, I’m not trying to offend anyone.

We just need to accept that we aren’t like everyone in the dating market today. We have unique interests and special desires. This means that we need to be careful with our dating practices. Here are a few points of caution.

Be upfront with your nerd status. Don’t run from who you are. Openly discuss your interests.

No when to say no. Just because you are looking to date someone, doesn’t mean you have to date everyone. Reread that last point.

Look for like minded people. This is pretty obvious isn’t it?

Don’t look for people who are exactly like you. You would get bored in this situation, but thankfully there is no one that is exactly like you. I guess I’m just trying to say, don’t for someone that is in the same friends group as you and has all of the same interests and line of work.

Branch out to other groups of friends and friends of friends. Sometimes we need to get out of our habitual role playing every Friday night and get to meet some new people.

Attend new gaming nights in your town. You probably think you have met all of the ‘normal’ people and ‘interesting’ people out there, but this just isn’t true. Open your mind a little. Trust me, it helps.

Get outside and play! Have fun outdoors with your dates as well. Find love in nature.

Okay, now I think we’ve had enough chatting. It’s time to start taking action. That means you need to get out there and start meeting people. Not everyone is going to be a 100% match, so lower your expectations a little bit. You just need to get out there and have some fun with some new friends. And that’s it! Go have some fun!

A few nerds have asked for my list of recommended dating sites. If you’re heterosexual and looking for only nerds, then I recommend gk2gk (http://www.gk2gk.com). It’s a site for straight up nerds, that’s it. If you’re looking to expand your reach a little, and you’re comfortable dating outside of the geek community, I’d recommend A Like Wise (http://alikewise.com). It’s a book loving community, so not totally nerds, but probably close in interests. Also, my favorite, if you’re in the transgender dating community is The Transgender Dating Site (https://www.thetransgenderdatingsite.com). This is a great place if you’re trans or would like to date a trans or bisexual partner.

When was the last time you tried your hands in enacting someone else? Well, the answer would probably be “ummm, don’t really recall that”. It is indeed true that in this super-packed up lives that we live, there is no time to have even a proper meal forget alone sparing time for leisurely activities. However, the monotony and recurring nature of the human life in this fast paced twenty first century world does call for some other the other forms of entertainment not only to relax and rejuvenate for the next round of tasks but also to have pure fun and in a way, socialize. Playing games of various kinds is one of the best ways to achieve this and role-playing games or RPGs as they are popularly called are definitely hot in the list of must dos for a lot of people all over the world irrespective of the age or work field. Below is one way of classifying these ultra-chic defined computer games.

Role playing games that originated from their pretty simple and not so clearly defined siblings, the tabletop or Live action role playing games or LARPs, are not even close to being ‘simple’. From a great user interface that feels like the player is actually living the setting, to state of the art animation and graphics and not to forget the crackling music effects, the world of these computer role-playing video games is particularly intriguing due to its sheer brilliance and make belief. Although not much classification based on characterization and theme has been done in this field but based on the overall level and kind of activity that goes on in the plot and user interface, RPGs can be rightly categorized into the underwritten forms.

One of the most talked about, rather played genres of computer role-playing games are Action RPGs. These, like the name itself suggests is all about unleashing the dogs of hell and showing your combat and war skills. Some of the best examples of graphic games under this category include some very big names in the biz that have a mind boggling fan following all over the world. Bokoshuka wars, the classic Dungeons and Dragons, the Tower of Druaga, the Dragon Slayer series, the Final Fantasy, the Legend of Zelda, the Magic of Scheherazade etc. are just a handful of the huge lot of role-playing games that fall into this sub-order. These games were designed over a long period and had a feel of the era and the socio-political and cultural conditions of the time.

Next up are the tactical or strategizing role-playing games that are a combination of the old world role-playing games and the strategy planning games. Most of these games are Japanese in origin and like all other goods from the land, is hugely popular all over the world. Examples of such games include Final Fantasy Tactics, Destiny of an Emperor, Fire emblem, the Ogre battle and many more.

The next genre on the list is the Rogue like RPG, where features such as permanent death of the players, movements that are turn-based or scope for randomization and replay ability etc. make the games that were originally taken up from the classic Dungeon and Dragon game Rouge, popular. Other citations include the Mystery dungeon series, the Torneko, Chocobo and the very popular Pokémon series.

In this world of cutthroat competition where a minute late is a chance lost, there is absolutely no time that you can afford to spend leisurely. A quick recreation is what is needed to refresh your body and mind and to start afresh for the next task. A great way of doing this is by engaging oneself in games and other similar activities that not only aid as recreational methods but also employ your mind to tasks that polish your skills in the practical life. From a very long time, role playing games or RPGs are very popular among people of all ages and work fields. Although these games are found both in graphical and non-graphical versions, the graphical ones that are played on computers are univocally better accepted. Read along to get an insight on how these games work and how to excel in them.

Coming first to the meaning of the term role-playing, as the name itself suggests, these games aim to create a fictitious setting where the players, virtually through the avenues of either electronic media or personally, imitate and take up roles of certain characters. Initially, these games started as tabletop role-playing games where people literally sat around a table to engage in live-in action role-playing or LARP. These became very famous not only because they enhanced public speaking and theatrical skills but also were ways of having fun and bonding. Conventionally, RPGs are thought to be an innate way of story telling through enactment or decision making. The same principles carried forward to the graphical versions and gave way to the much sought after MMORPGs. These Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games are the latest picks in the internet gaming portal and are played extensively by people of varying ages. Some of the most popular games are the Dungeons and Dragons and many more.

Next up, is the basic purpose behind playing such games and the precise set of rules that govern most of these games. By playing a role-playing game, you and your friends set foot in an age-old tradition of storytelling, only with a greater level of excitement and interactivity. The most basic form of such games begins at an age where all of us feign and believe in stories of fairies and enact devilish characters on the Halloween. There is however, a lot more going on these tabletop or MMORPGs than just having fun. Most developers claim that these are excellent avenues for teaching at schools or even at management firms. There are different types of these games from written narratives, which are known as tabletop RPGs or the ones where you actually enact a part depending on the storyboard (LARPs). Then there is the single player or multiplayers versions.

One very important aspect of all these games is the role of a game master. The role of a game master is very similar to an administrator in real life instances where the person is bestowed with special powers and responsibilities to under see the overall functioning of the game setting.

With truckloads of plusses, these role-playing games seem to take over the entire world over.

All throughout the history of human evolution, man has been devising ways to keep himself occupied and relax. These means of recreation get a completely new dimension in today’s time when there is so much of competition that people are not in a position to loose even a minute. One such great way to indulge in ecstasies is by playing single player or multiple players games, both online on the internet and otherwise. Role playing games have been an integral part of the human society right from the earliest storytelling episodes by prehistoric cave men to today’s computer versions with high quality animations and interactive graphic interfaces.

The world of computer RPGs as they are popularly called is particularly very interesting and a lot of scope for development and expansion in the near future. Although the basic setting in these computer role-playing games are similar to the older ones that were enacted, there are some clear variations that make these highly enjoyable and a lot more educative. One of the most eminent differences between the tabletop or live-action roleplaying games (LARPs for short) is the role of the game master. Before we get any further into the role of the game master, it is apt to discuss the meaning of the term. Just like the way a referee governs the ongoing in a match, the game master is the person who is provided with certain special powers and in turn a lot of responsibilities to control the happenings in the fictional setting of the game. In live enactments, the game master is known as the General Manager or GM while in computer RPGs it is called by the aforementioned name itself.

Now let us talk about the insides of the game and the various techniques that are employed to create and play these role-playing videogames. As already mentioned, the basic theme and principles that work in computer RPGs is very much alike to the ones used in conventional tabletop ones. It is a very interest piece of information that the initial types of such games were as simple as the story telling or fancy dresses that we played as tiny tots. In these games, the players enact different roles in a particular setting and do activities and chores to collect points and favors. Classic roleplaying games like Dungeons and Dragons are examples of sheer coordinative and roleplaying skills. One important aspect of such games is the storyboard. It is very important to have a fun-filled and engaging plot and the right virtual characters to make the game user friendly and interactive, as it is a major difference between RPGs and tutorials. Against popular belief that made these games soft, there is a lot of combat involved. The latest games give constant chances to showcase war skills to ditch enemies and or escape from traps while they are on quests. Advancement in game levels with added advantages and an inventory of objects is another crucial point that make players continue on their quest.

Like all other trends in modern times, these games too have evolved quickly from their comparatively simple precursors with several regional variations to suit the lifestyle and culture of the native people. Playing these games in so much fun that no matter what time of the day it is, atleast a fraction of the world population is busy being Fred Flintstones!

The meaning of the word demons comes from ancient text stemming from the catholic bible. It refers to the devils minions or angels that have fallen from the heavens. There are said to be hundreds and even thousands of different types of demons though, the head demon is reportedly known as the devil or Lucifer from the bible. He is also considered to be the source of all evil within this world directing his demons to carry out his evil deeds among the weak and willing.

While most demons are evil in nature and aim to destroy all that is good, when you look at Greek cultures, it is written that there are good demons as well. These good demons are considered to be the ones who put themselves in the middle of men and Greek gods. They promote happy feelings for the person who is being guided by them. This is typically not the case though as there are more tellings of bad demons than good.

Demons have been a part of history since the beginning of time and have put a certain fear into many believers throughout the years. Showing, communicating or being possessed by a demon was told to be the most horrific thing that anyone could experience. Most people avoided the subject of demons during early times. Today however, demons play a very big role in everyday life as they are given an almost celebrity position with movies, books, TV shows and even Ouija boards in which people attempt to communicate with other worldly demons from beyond the depths.

People who still believe in the ancient text and are less modernized would never go near a Ouija board as they believe that if you are communicating with a demon, you will open a doorway to allow that demon into this world. In turn, you will be possessed by the demon. A prime example of this belief can be seen in the movie, The Exorcist in which the young girl of the movie is taken over and controlled by a horrific demon. She experiences convulsions, regurgitating, a bad attitude and head spinning among the many other things that happen to her during the possession. The girl has to be exorcized by a priest in order to get rid of the demon. Demons are not just present in movies today though.

The word ‘demons’ has evolved to become a part of everyday conversation as they take on the form of showing something is bad. If someone says, you have demons in your closet; they are referring to you having some nasty or bad secrets which you are hiding. If they say that you need to fight your demons, they are referring to anything that may be making you scared or holding you back. Many times, drugs are referred to as twentieth century demons because they are something bad that take over a person and have no mercy. This is kind of similar to the ancient text and beliefs of what the demon is as well.

Demons are mythical, ancient evil creatures and although they have become even more present in today’s world, most people do whatever they can to avoid them in their lives especially, those with religious beliefs.

Demons & Wizards is a power metal band. It is the brain child of the celebrated metal bands Blind Guardian and Iced Earth. Blind Guardian’s singer, Hansi Kürsch and Jon Schaffer, Iced Earth’s guitar player is the duo that started Demons & Wizards. The duo has clearly divided the responsibilities wherein Schaffer composes the music and Kürsch pens down the lyrics.

So when exactly did it occur to them to form the band? And whose idea was it? Let’s find out. The idea to form the band germinated in the spring of 1997. This is when Kürsch and Schaffer expressed their common desire to compose music together, after being good buddies for quite a few years.

The first Demons & Wizards music album was recorded in 1999. It featured Mark Prator who has been the drummer on some of the Iced Earth music albums. In addition, Jim Morris was the guitarist for their first album.

With a vision to merge varying musical forms of Iced Earth’s dark melody and Blind Guardian’s influential singing in a single musical form, Demons & Wizards music band was formed. As the band members mentioned, the name, Demons & Wizards implies the amalgamation and portrayal of two forms – the self-confessed demon-like themes and music of Iced Earth and wizard-like themes and music of Blind Guardian.

The moniker “Demons & Wizards” originated from the fact that Schaffer’s wife used to fondly call him and Hansi as “Demons and Angels”. To this Hansi clarifies all the time that his band is not angelic at all.

In 2005, the Demons & Wizards music band came up with their second album, ‘Touched by the Crimson King’. According to the grapevine, the album ‘Touched by the Crimson King’ is moderately derived from Stephen King’s ‘The Dark Tower’ chain of books wherein the Crimson King is the chief contender. The album has a cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song.” The North American release featured all the 14 tracks songs on 1 disc. Besides, ‘Touched by the Crimson King’ was released in Europe as well with a different cover. This limited version had 4 extra songs on a 2nd disc. Two striking tracks of this Demons & Wizards music album are ‘Terror Train’ and ‘Wicked Witch’. This Demons & Wizards music is a must-have for lovers of their previous venture. For many of their fans, Demons & Wizards music is classic rock.

Demons & Wizards music band consists of some of the most competent musicians. They experienced a lot of line-up changes in the 1970s and 1980s. The band met with a reasonable amount of critical acclaim and commercial success. In an interview in May 2009, Jon Schaffer revealed his band’s future plans. This band just loves to perform and entertain its audience with their authentic mix of their musical forms. It remains to be seen what future holds for them. As their fans, let us keep our fingers crossed for their next album.